DLSU marks EDSA People Power

On Feb. 25 will be the 39th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, which marked the return of democracy to the Philippines after more than a decade of the Marcos dictatorship. This date used to be a major national holiday, with many events organized to mark this historical occasion.  However, presently this day has been reduced to the level of a simple working holiday.

Fortunately, there are still organizations that have decided to continue commemorating this date. One of them is De La Salle University. On this day, classes and school operations at DLSU will be suspended. Here is the announcement of this institution: “To commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution, classes at all levels and work on all campuses of the university are called off on Feb. 25, 2025. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in activities commemorating the event during this ALTERNATIVE LEARNING DAY. All campuses shall remain open for the holding of alternative activities.”

A similar announcement was made by the De La Salle-Araneta University located in Caloocan City.  The announcement was as follows:

“In recognition of the enduring significance of People Power and following the proposal forwarded by the LaSallian Partners Council, the University president has decided to suspend classes and school operations on Feb. 25, 2025 in commemoration of this pivotal event in our nation’s history. Although the government has declared this day as a special working holiday, it is our conviction that the LaSallian community should have the opportunity to reflect on the values and sacrifices that defined People Power. We encourage everyone to engage in initiatives that foster historical awareness and civic engagement both within and beyond the classroom.

“Take time to reflect on the message and importance of this occasion. Happy People Power Day, LaSallians!”

I remember that the LaSallian community led by the Christian Brothers were active participants during the EDSA People Power Revolution. The La Salle brothers also marched with the faculty and the students during the subsequent rallies led by Cory Aquino whenever she called on the people to march in defense of democracy.

I sincerely hope that this move will be followed by other schools. It is vital that the young generation, who were too young to participate in the EDSA revolution, will never forget that historic event and will continue to fight for the ideals of democracy, truth and social justice.

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There is a disturbing global trend in the world today, which is the return by the leaders of America, Russia and China to territorial expansion. The correct term for this is imperialism, which means the extension of a nation’s power through force.

During his inaugural address, President Donald Trump pledged that the US “… will once again see itself a growing nation – one that increases our wealth, expands our territory.”

At that time, President Trump’s reference to territorial expansion was simply thought to have been simple rhetoric. Since then, however, in just two months, Trump has said that America intends to get Greenland, a territory of Denmark. He has also vowed to take back the Panama Canal and says that Canada should become America’s 51st state.

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been quoted to say that he believes President Trump is serious about acquiring Canada because of its rich natural resources. Recently, President Trump has said that American wants to “own” the Gaza territory of the Palestinian people and turn it into a real estate development project to become another Riviera. In order to accomplish this, he has said that two million Palestinians living in this territory should be forcibly removed. This proposal is of course a form of ethnic cleansing.

There are also two other world leaders who also see territorial expansion as their national goal. These are Valdimir Putin and Xi Jinping. Geopolitical observers are also concluding that this move for territorial expansion by these three global leaders may be a part of their craving for being able to claim greatness.

When he invaded Ukraine, Putin claimed that Ukraine was not a proper country but part of the “Russian World.” Xi Jinping has seen that gaining control of Taiwan is relevant to China’s national destiny and to his own historical legacy. In a recent speech, he said, “Taiwan is China’s sacred territory.”

This phenomenon of the three superpowers – US, Russia and China – being led by men with imperialist ambitions has led to fears that these three rulers might divide the world among them. History has shown that this has happened in the past. Examples are the Congress of Vienna in the 19th century when the powers divided Europe. There was also a gathering in Berlin in 1884 to 1885 when again, the European powers divided Africa.

Imperialism is thought to have ended after the Second World War when many colonies, including the Philippines, were able to win their independence.

In the past, imperialism led to the existence of empires which tended to have emperors or absolute rulers. There are signs that this is now happening in the world today.

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